A list of kids’ movies centered around awesome female characters

This is a list of girl centered movies with strong girls in them. That sentence may seem redundant but sadly, it’s not. Many girl centered movies feature a main character who is a princess in distress, a cheerleader trying to keep a boyfriend, or Barbie worrying about what she’ll wear to prom after her dress rips.

If Hollywood allows a strong girl to appear in a kids’ movie, and she is not confined to a typical, cookie cutter “feminine” dilemma, too often, her screen time is limited; her role is supporting: she is there to help the boy on his quest.

To clarify: the following is a list of movies with strong female main characters where the narrative is based on her brave quest.

This is not a list of GGG (triple girlpower) movies. Some movies may be included in this list such as a Barbie adventure or Kim Possible that would not earn a GGG rating because of the main character’s plastic looks or princessy identity; the movie may be listed here because, in spite of a stereotype, it’s still centered on a brave female hero who has cool adventures.

Remember, this is also not a list of movies only with a strong girl character in them. To see a list of strong girl characters in movies, check out Reel Girl’s list of awesome female characters in kids’ movies. That list includes characters like Princess Leia from “Star Wars,” Astrid from “How to Train Your Dragon,” and Colette from “Ratatouille.” Strong female characters with supporting roles in male dominated films are included in that list. Nominate female characters for that list here.

If you’re still unsure if a movie qualifies for the list below, please see Reel Girl’s list of questions to ask yourself before shelling out your $10 to take your kids to a movie. These questions are to help parents notice the gender programming aimed at kids, so ubiquitous, it’s ironically often invisible. This list of questions is supposed to help you notice the different status frequently attributed to girls and boys in kids’ media. The questions are also there because, mostly, I don’t suggest not showing your kids many films. There are some I won’t show, and there are many I won’t pay for. But I think it’s best to teach kids how to watch critically, question what they see, and ultimately make their own decisions. Kids live in the world just like we all do. Even if you don’t take them to the movies, they’ll see the toys, the characters on diapers and cereal boxes. Most of their friends will have seen the movies, will be talking about them and acting out the characters on playdates. So teach them not to be passive receptacles of media. The questions on this list aren’t for young kids but for their parents. When you talk to your kids, its best to be specific about the characters in the film they see.

Wow, this is why it has been so hard for Reel Girl to recommend, but here we go.

The movies on the list are for young kids. My three daughters are ages 2 – 8.

Movies are awarded 1 – 3 Gs for Girlpower. Remember, these are movies for your sons to see as well as your daughters.

This is a list in progress. Please send in your suggestions.

Spirited Away GGG

My Neighbor Totoro GGG

Kiki’s Delivery Service GGG

Ponyo GGG

Mulan GG

Alice In Wonderland GGG

The Golden Compass GGG

Barbie Fairytopia: Mermaidia GG

The Powerpuff Girls GG

Wonder Woman GG (2009)

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind GGG

Coraline GGG

The Wizard of Oz GGG

Mary Poppins GG

Pippi Longstocking GG

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe GGG

Movies suggested to me that I have not seen, please send your suggestions: